Sunday, December 23, 2007

SUNDAYS WITH JASON

Finally that Christmas “feeling” has come over me. It is the final countdown and I thought instead of making fun of how stressed out Donna is, well, I just wouldn’t go there. So I decided to end this season on an “up” note. So where were we? Yes, that “Christmas feeling.”

So what does Christmas mean to you? After 26 years on this planet, I am not quite sure if I know. My family has shrunk down since I was a kid. My favorite relatives all passed away around the past holidays and it seems like it made me a bit of a miser at an early age, not to mention my mother, sister and brother all became “snow birds” and are in Ft. Myers for good. But as a new father and with the 4 sister-in-laws I have now, the family seems to be on an upswing. So I am still getting used to trying to slap on a Merry Christmas face, when appropriate. But this year I asked myself the same thing I asked you. So, what does it mean to me? Well, if you don’t believe in Christ I would have to ask why you celebrate Christmas at all, and I would probably expect your reading to taper off as I continue on today. That being said, beyond the tree, the garland, the presents, the in-laws and the food, Christ is really what Christmas is all about. So if you argue that point, bear with me, there’s a lesson here. Because in addition to that, there is the old saying, “Christmas is the season of perpetual hope.”

The fact that we still celebrate the birth of Christ 2000 years later is a true testament to the very foundation of hope. Let’s face it; the circumstances under which Christ was born were perilous by the standards of that time; but even with modern medicines and the conveniences of today, I'd say his chances of survival would still be slim. Nonetheless, the baby Jesus endured and was the hope of the entire world.

So who’s to say that we can’t hold on to that same kind of hope during our small existence? A hope for the very best, no matter the dangers or adversity that come along the way. Hope for today, tomorrow and forever. I know in my heart that it is an attainable, tangible concept. It’s goes hand in hand; first, we need to be fueled (motivated) by hope. Secondly, with hopes and dreams we have a reason to fight our way through everyday, it just takes some effort. I am not preaching but I am sure that some of the tragedies this past year could have been avoided (or better yet, prevented) if people had a real sense of what hope is.

Today, young people, lacking motivation, are being sold a lie that they are alone in this great big world and that no one really cares about what’s going on with them. Without the hope that there is a God and that He wants the very best for them and cares about them just as they are. How can we expect kids to be motivated? What do they see in us that would convince them to buckle down and work hard, to make good choices? Do they see the possibilities in life; or the dead ends? Even if you don’t believe in God or Christ or you believe in Buddha or Gandhi, or nothing at all; you have to agree that the belief (or faith) in hope is a mighty power. We need to believe things will work out for the greater good; it’s our lifeblood.

So let’s remember the people who carry that passion with them not just on December 25th, but also on every day of the year. Like, the firefighter who runs into a burning building, or an EMT responding to an accident, how about a police officer answering a call for back up, and every time the phone rings in the emergency dispatch; all these people are put into situations where their hope has to be bigger than their own strength. Hope that they can make the difference between a tragedy and a modern-day miracle.

What about our men and woman who are fighting (and have fought) for our freedom? The very freedom that allows us to “dream big” and go after our hopes. The very fact that we can stop and say, “I have hopes and I have dreams,” is a pure representation of the sacrifices made for us every single day. Me, I’m just a regular old bloke, I have hope that I can make a difference by living a responsible lifestyle; by passing that on to my children. By reaching into my pocket for noble causes, and giving the shirt off my back when my pockets are empty. I have the hope that everyone has a talent to contribute to the betterment of mankind; that our youth are the next generation of great thinkers, and maybe they should be treated that way.

Hope isn’t just for the people with badges or uniforms. It’s the fiber that holds us all together. So, as we head into the New Year, and the dust of 2007 settles, the question therein lies: what do you hope for and maybe; who has hope in you?

That’s all friends, just a bit of nonsense to get you to think and maybe brighten up your season too. I hope you didn’t miss me making fun of people too much. Oh, and if I die by drowning in a vat off eggnog, or am electrocuted while stringing up Christmas lights: promise that someone makes fun of me! (Just don't let Donna do my eulogy; she has such a sense of humor)

So relax, lend a hand and don’t be afraid to tell someone you care.Merry Christmas everyone! Be smart, be safe and take time to appreciate the beauty of being able to laugh, even if it’s at yourself.

10 Comments:

Anonymous said...

Jason, what a wonderful "Sunday". Merry Christmas to you and yours. My hope is that one thing I do in my life will reach someone in need at the right moment,I will be extremely lucky. But I believe that any assistance I can give to anyone is meant be because God ordained it to happen. Merry Christmas everyone, Patsy

This is one of the reasons I enjoy reading “Sundays” you never know what Jason is going to say. I have to be honest I am one of the people who likes it when Jason is brutally honest about people or situations. I know some people are a bit sensitive about some of his comments but a lot of my co-workers and friends like him because he is able to say things that we are only allowed to think and would be fired if we wrote them on a public site.

Merry Christmas Jason to you and your family. Not Happy Holidays but Merry Christmas!

By the way, it will be interesting to see how many people post comments to this weeks “Sundays” since there is nothing in the column to complain about.

Jason, why is that days after the storm hit we still can not get salt on our side streets? What is more important the cost of salt or the amount of crashes we handle in this city? No wonder our insurance rates are up.Rider

Jason,Terry told me he would take away my Gold Card if I didn't read "Sundays With Jason" so not wanting to give up my Gold Card I have followed his orders. Great job Sundays column. I do believe that we are getting away from what this "holiday season" is all about. Get away from the "Xmas"a nd put Christ back in the holiday and in our daily lives. It would truly make a differance. Merry Christmas to you and your family. Have a great New Year and stay safe.Russ

I have been reading your posts since the start and have yet to comment... But with this one I will It upsets me that people complian about the small stuff..I cant find a spot to park close to the store and I have to walk.. or they dont have the right kind of sox that i like... We all need to realise that it could be worse for all of us.. There are many people that cant see family over the holidays because they are fighting for our right to be safe and free.. Anyway I am grateful to you Jason for always telling it like it is somebody needs to say the stuff you do! And yes we need to keep Christ in Christmas and for those of you that think that writing "XMAS" Is taking it out you should do some research, The letter X is greek for CH and also the greek symbol for Christ, Take a look. http://www.alphabetandletter.com/X.html. Thats where it came about.

Have a Very Merry Christmas and I look forward to another Year of great sundays with Jason..... Ben

Jason, Merry Christmas to you and your family. I wish you a happy and prosperous New Year.

I have been reading your columns since the beginning and have enjoyed them all. My husband is a police officer and we have spent a couple Sunday mornings debating some of your comments. He has seen the dirtier side of society and says that you are just telling it like it is out there and he wishes that he was able to speak out on some of the issues you have spoken about but because of his job he cannot.

As much as I have enjoyed the past columns I must say that this is my favorite. I am so tired of how Christmas has become more of a time for department stores to meet their bottom line then it is about the true meaning of Christmas. The stores now even started calling their Christmas tress, Holiday trees or Great trees. Ridiculous!

Thank you for a great year of thought provoking columns Jason and my husband and I look forward to see what you have to say in 2008 and I am sure we will debate over a few as well.

Once again, you leave nothing to question! Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday season to you and your family.

I noticed Donna did not respond yet. I know for a fact that she has a little bit of a sense of humor. Maybe she's coming up with some witty response! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you as well Donna. May your 911 phones only ring with good news and happy words!

Merry Christmas Jason!!! I would like to say I love reading "Sundays with Jason and I check out TMC everyday. I would like to take the time to thank the Avon Fire Dept and the three EMT's that responded to Best Buy to help the lady that fell face first in the parking lot. That lady was my mom and she was all alone when she fell. You guys treated her with the highest standard of care. THANK YOU! I too am a medic for a local fire dept and I know you were just doing your everyday job but you treated her as if she were your mom. Her face is a mess with 2 black eyes and an ugly cut on the bridge of her nose and when she is asked what happend she tells people they should see the other guy. I would also like to thank the two womem that jumped out of their cars to aid my mother without hesitation. You have renewed my faith in humanity. Thank you for caring for a stranger!!! One more Thank YOU for the employees of Best Buy who completed my mothers shopping while the medics were treating her. ONCE AGAIN THANK YOU ALL AND MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!!!